Tuchel considers shock recall for Welbeck ahead of qualifying matches
Thomas Tuchel is considering handing a shock recall to Danny Welbeck, over seven years on from the striker’s last England appearance, ahead of matches with Serbia and Albania later this month, reports BritPanorama.
Welbeck last featured for the Three Lions in 2018 and has been regularly overlooked by Gareth Southgate during his tenure. The 34-year-old has impressed this term, scoring six goals in his first 10 Premier League appearances to help Brighton climb to 10th in the table.
England will face Serbia and Albania later this month in their final two World Cup qualifying matches, with Tuchel optimistic that his side can conclude their campaign on a positive note.
According to Sky Sports, Tuchel’s interest in recalling Welbeck stems from a need for alternatives should their key striker, Harry Kane, encounter difficulties on the pitch. The current England squad has relied heavily on Kane, making the search for offensive depth crucial.
Welbeck, who has 42 caps and 16 goals to his name, made his debut in 2011 under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, scoring his first goal for his country against Belgium the following year. With the World Cup set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next summer, England’s preparations are increasingly focused on defining their attacking options.
Meanwhile, Ollie Watkins has been viewed as a capable backup to Kane, having showcased his potential during the European Championships last summer. However, his recent form for Villa has raised questions, with only one Premier League goal this season. Dominic Solanke has similarly faced challenges since his move to Tottenham, and Ivan Toney has become less relevant following his transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Former England international Wayne Rooney expressed support for Welbeck’s potential return, highlighting his current form as a vital factor in the decision-making process. “He scores goals, he works hard, he’s having a purple patch and he’s put himself in a position where Thomas Tuchel will definitely have to look at him,” Rooney noted, reinforcing the view that Welbeck could play a significant role in the national setup if selected.
The situation offers Tuchel an opportunity to navigate England’s striking options ahead of a pivotal moment in the team’s journey towards the World Cup. As discussions about squad composition continue, fans and analysts alike watch closely to see if Welbeck can reclaim his place among England’s attacking options. The unfortunate reality of sports, though, is how often talent battles against the tides of time and circumstance.
